Keegan was forced to explain to angry Newcastle fans in an impromptu meeting the fans outside St James’ Park why sold the Toon hero.

Despite struggling initially at United, Cole scored 12 goals in 18 games — including five in the 9-0 win over Ipswich.

His first season would end on a sour note, however, after he missed late chances in the 1-1 draw with West Ham on the final day of the season, which saw the Red Devils relinquish their Premier League crown to Blackburn.

'ANDERSON OUT'

Andy Cole in action during a Champions League clash with Juventus in 1996-97

At the age of 23, Cole was now one of the more experienced members of the team — he scored vital goals against nearest rivals, Newcastle, and in the FA Cup semi-final win over Chelsea as United claimed a second Double in three years.

He was handed the No.9 shirt for the 1996-97, but Neil Ruddock broke both his legs in a challenge he later claimed was intentional — and Cole was sidelined until December.

Again, he scored important goals at Highbury and Anfield as well as in the 4-0 demolition of Porto in the Champions League quarter-finals.